Most of the “Religion News” in today’s Tribune is dedicated to the Rev. Dermot Tighe, Great Bend, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
From a farm of about 100 acres in County Roscommon, Ireland, the youngest of 10 children came to Kansas. He and others like him were recruited by Bishop Mark K. Carroll, who oversaw the Wichita Catholic Diocese from 1947-67. Bishop Carroll offered to pay for their education.
His first assignment was in Rush County, and eventually he came to Great Bend where he taught at St. Rose Nursing School and was the first chaplain at Central Kansas Medical Center, now St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center.
Father Tighe has been a positive figure in southwest Kansas, but he wanted to see the world. He did that by becoming a citizen and then answering a call to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam. He eventually returned to Kansas, finishing his last assignment as a priest at Great Bend’s St. Patrick Catholic Church in 1998.
He’s been in Wichita recovering from a shoulder injury, but Father Tighe is home in time to celebrate his 60th jubilee at this Sunday’s 4 p.m. prayer service at the Prince of Peace at St. Patrick Church. All who love and appreciate him are invited to come, and to stay after Vespers for a reception at the Parish Center.
The Dodge City Diocese’s Southwest Daily Register has had reported over the years about Father Tighe’s compassion; his friends and parishioners have attested to his humor; and his record shows his dedication and service. Bishop Carroll’s investment has been repaid many times over.